Cornell & Diehl Plantation Evening

This is exactly as it is advertized: "A middle of the road English" It really did not do much for me. With so many good ones out there, I can't see purchasing any more of this one. Much prefer Star of the East, Longevity, Pirate Kake, etc... Oh yeah, good quality leaf, perfect moisture, good burning qualities, blah, blah, blah. Who knows? It might be your Arcadia...

A full spectrum of tobacco colors, from bright Virginias to dark Latakia with some brown hints in between make this blend is pleasing to the eye. A nice well-balanced blend this appears to be from the aroma upon opening the bag; lightly smoky and you can smell the perique if you close your eyes and concentrate, while the natural citrus sweetness of the Virginias tickles lightly in the background, a complex blend with no predominate smell. It seductively calls, “Smoke me!” While I thought this was a bit drier than I appreciate (not crumbly), and since I didn’t want to over moisten it, I set some tobacco overnight in a tupperware container with a sponge lightly moistened with distilled water. In the morning, the sponge was almost dry, but the tobacco was perfect - still much drier than most. This tobacco packs very easily and took a flame very well after the initial char. As a grey-white ash slowly filled the bowl, smoke blissfully rose from the bowl. I wanted to smoke eagerly, getting all the flavors I possibly can dancing upon my palate, but I held back. Gently puffing, it burned so smooth, dry and cool. This is not an overbearing English blend, yet a smoky spiciness tantalizingly punctuated each puff. There was the hint of sweet nuts that ethereally drifted in and out of the entire bowl. Wonderfully complex. This is one that begs to be French inhaled and enjoyed. It smells of roasted black walnuts.

I was looking for a mild English blend and this was recommended, and for sure it was the correct one. A soft English blend with different notes of latakia and oriental tobacco creates a nice atmosphere, together with perique and Virginia. Nice aromas at the mouth and nose, with the characteristics of English blends but with a soft intensity. For a long smoke on a relaxed evening, for sure.

I'm not sure as to the real reason but I experience C&D tobacco blends to taste more 'natural' compared to blends from the large manufacturers ie. STG. That being said this is a very nice English style blend light on the Latakia. While it is nothing to write home about it doesn't dissapoint. Flavor wise, it has a nice sour funkiness to it as well as some spicy smoky notes. Personally, I prefer English blends with more Latakia but I do find this enjoyable none the less.

This is a really average blend, yet something that I could smoke everyday if I wanted to. Burns well and evenly, with a good amount of taste to it.

After several years of being (semi) good, I decided the MD's could stuff it and have returned to my pipes. I remembered liking C&D's Plantation Evening but couldn't remember any specifics so I ordered 2 oz from Pipes & Cigars. It's a mild 'english' blend to my taste. Burns well with no bite. Very mild and pleasant. Virginia's with some Latakia and perique but neither is dominant. I've just about finished my 2 oz so decided to review. If you want something to knock your socks off forget it but if you want an all day smoke, try it.

I was pleasantly surprised with PE. In the tin, I smelled soury tangy flavours with an undertone of wood and/or earthiness. After lighting, I saw myself walking through a plantation. The wood / earthy / green / forest aromas was evident, layered in a nice Latakia smokiness. The only reason why I'm not giving it a 4 is because I'm biased - while doing this review, I'm also reviewing my Top 5 so far for 2015 and its not i the top 5. On a more "objective" day, could easily rate it 4. I'll come back to this review to confirm this (or not) 🙂

I'm one of those people who strongly believes that Perique and Latakia should never be mixed. Unfortunately, this is one of those blends that mixes them. To me, each has a distinct taste of its own, and to mix the two together marrs the flavour of both. This blend is a lighter English blend, and has a strange taste because of the combination of the two spice tobaccos. Its predominant flavour is sour, and it seems that's all I can get out of this one. I can say I definitely do not prefer it, and would only recommend it to those who enjoy mixing Latakia and Perique.

Truly another masterpiece of blending from C&D. The flavor of all ingredients can be tasted throughout the pipeful, and enjoyed to the bottom of the bowl. No bite or toasting of the tongue with this, just pure intermingling tobacco experiences. If I could have just one blend to smoke forever, this would be in contention. Recommended for the middle of the road English lover, or anyone looking for a truly delightful smoke (good with a pale ale), good all day. Update: After several contemplative bowls of Plantation Evening, I have come to realize this should have another star. It really makes me feel like what my ancestors might have had on a plantation in Virginia (my home state), years ago. Excellent blend of superb tobaccos.